The Hybrid Horizon:

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change…

In a landscape driven by technological evolution, the management of data within hybrid environments is the key challenge for CIOs, one whose goalposts are constantly changing. Earlier this month, Innovatus Media and Pure Storage hosted executive luncheons in Sydney and Melbourne that looked to deep-dive into this at the coal face of the enterprise.

The session was led by Matt Oostveen, Pure Storage’s regional CTO. 

Although a persistent theme at CIO roundtables around the globe over the last decade, the challenge and interest lie in the pace at which change is occurring and, particularly with the advent of an increase in data sovereignty, learning more about the benefits and limitations of public cloud, as well as the ever-looming impact that AI will have on data management.

Data Sovereignty: A Growing Concern

One of the prevailing themes was the escalating interest in data sovereignty. Attendees expressed a strong desire to maintain control over the location of their data, driven by regulatory requirements and a need for transparency. With data governance laws, particularly in Europe, emphasising the importance of data localisation, executives are prioritising efforts to modernise data management practices accordingly.

The Cloud Operating Model: 

Amidst these challenges, the Cloud Operating Model emerged as a critical lever of efficiency and agility for IT teams. Its key advantage is its ability to scale dynamically and accelerate business processes. Moreover, the Opex model’s flexibility in payment structures liberates organisations from traditional Capex constraints, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Managing Hybrid Costs: A Balancing Act

However, cloud solutions’ allure also brings challenges, notably in managing hybrid costs. The rise of “shadow IT” within organisations has increased unmonitored expenses, including networking, data transfer, and cloud usage. Addressing these challenges requires balancing meeting business demands and optimising resource allocation.

ESG Principles: Aligning Sustainability with Financial Performance

Another focal point of discussion was the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with financial performance. Executives recognised the importance of sustainability in IT operations, not only from an ethical standpoint but also to drive cost efficiencies. Organisations can create value by aligning ESG initiatives with business objectives while minimising environmental impact.

Skills vs. Outsourcing: Finding the Right Balance

A recurring debate revolved around the trade-off between developing in-house skills and outsourcing expertise. While some advocated for building internal capabilities to maintain control and agility, others highlighted the benefits of leveraging external talent for specialised tasks. Finding the right balance between these approaches is crucial for meeting evolving business needs.

In conclusion, the executive luncheons hosted by Innovatus Media and Pure Storage provided invaluable insights into the complexities of data management within hybrid environments. Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements and regulatory changes, organisations must remain agile and proactive in their approach to data stewardship. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and staying abreast of industry trends, enterprises can successfully navigate the hybrid horizon and drive sustainable growth in the digital age.